2017 hunting season among safest ever in New York

DEC staff and volunteers stock thousands of trout across the Southern Tier before and during fishing season.
Jeff Murray / Staff video

Bowhunter Tim Blank scans the forest from a tree stand in the Town of Erin in this 2006 photo. DEC included tree stand accidents in its hunter safety statistics for the first time in 2017.(Photo: FILE PHOTO)

Of the 12 tree stand accidents investigated by DEC in 2017, six were fatalities, a number commensurate with other states that track those statistics.

Most of the incidents could have been avoided with basic safety tips, DEC said, including use of a full-body harness, checking stands every year for worn parts, and using a haul line to raise and lower equipment.

State deer survey

DEC is teaming up with Cornell University to implement a new process for gathering public input on desired deer populations.

The survey is being phased in and is currently being mailed to citizens in one third of the state. The rest will be surveyed in 2019.

The survey asks respondents about their deer-related interests and concerns, how they would like to see the deer population in their area change over the next several years, and how important deer management issues are to them.

Survey results, in combination with data on deer impacts on forest regeneration, will be used to guide deer population management decisions.

Previously, DEC used citizen task forces to involve state residents in the process of determining appropriate deer population sizes.

Trap shooters sought

The Nessmuk Rod and Gun Club, 4646 Route 287 south of Wellsboro, will host trap shoot practices for beginners and experienced shooters from 3 p.m. until dusk every Thursday, April 4 through Oct. 25, weather permitting.

The shooters will compete on Nessmuk's team in the Northern Tier Trap League, which includes five other area gun clubs.

Thursday practices are open to the public and participants are asked to provide their own shotguns and ammunition. Eye and ear protection must be worn. The fee is $5 for adults and $2 for those under 18.